Glasgow private hire driver who drove on pavement to avoid roadworks loses licence

Sherko Mohammedpour was convicted last July for the 2020 incident, and was also fined £350 and had his licence endorsed with four penalty points.

During the licensing committee on Wednesday morning a representative from Police Scotland informed members that Mr Mohammedpour drove along a named street without due care and attention before driving along a public footpath in an effort to avoid roadworks.

Chairman and councillor Alex Wilson said: “Explain this one to me please. Why did you decide that using the public footpath is acceptable?”

Mr Mohammedpour advised committee members that he found the road markings confusing.

He said: “The road was confusing me, I didn’t know what to do and I made a mistake. I have held a driver’s licence for six years and my private hire car licence for almost four years.”

Councillor Wilson then asked Mr Mohammedpour what was so confusing about the road works that made him drive along the pavement?

He said: “When I entered the road it was one way and I thought I couldn’t go back as that would be illegal but when I saw a small path I thought I could go down it.

“This is the first time in my life I have made a mistake like this. I was really confused about the road situation. Sometimes accidents happen.”

It was then confirmed that Mr Mohammedpour did not inform the licensing department of his conviction when applying to renew his private hire car driver’s licence.

Baillie Jim Kavangh said: “You’ve admitted to this council of your failure on two counts to inform the council of your failures.

“You’ve admitted to not reading your terms and conditions as a taxi driver. You drove along a footpath which is in no shape or form for vehicles.

“There must have been a road closure sign which you’ve driven past or quite simply, you have chosen to get to your destination using a public footpath which is not for cars. What is your explanation?”

Mr Mohammadpour replied: “There were lines on the road that confused me.”

Following the meeting Mr Mohammadpour lost his licence. He will be informed in writing over the next seven days.